Water Magic

Elements of Witchcraft #1

by Lilith Dorsey

The first entry in Llewellyn's exciting new Elements of Witchcraft series, Water Magic reveals the amazing possibilities of using water in your modern practice. Once you learn to access the enormous depths of this life-giving and powerful element, it will enhance your magic and help you grow into a better version of yourself.

Cleansing and strong, the power of water is all around you and in you. Lilith Dorsey presents many ways to incorporate water into your magic, from washes and baths to spells and rituals. Discover how to use the symbols of water in your magical workings. Learn the histories and wisdom of rivers, lakes, and oceans, as well as water's relationship to the wheel of the year. Explore water and its manifestations in mythology and lore and meet the gods and goddesses who rule over the element.

Genres: Witchcraft, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Magic, Paganism, Magick, Audiobook

274 pages, Paperback

First published October 8, 2020

About the author

Lilith Dorsey M.A. , hails from many different magickal traditions, including Celtic, Afro-Caribbean, and Native American spirituality. Her traditional education has found its focus on Plant Science, Anthropology, and Film at the University of R.I., New York University and the University of London, and her magickal training on numerous iniations in Santeria, Vodoun, and New Orleans Voodoo . Lilith Dorsey keeps doing successful magick since 1991 for patrons of her business Branwen's Pantry, and is editor/publisher of Oshun-African Magickal Quarterly , filmmaker of the experimental documentary Bodies of Water :Voodoo Identity and Tranceformation, author of Voodoo and Afro-Caribbean Paganism, and recently choreographer for jazz legend Dr. John's "Night Tripper" Voodoo Show. She led her first ever Voodoo Zombie Silent Rave in July 2013, complete with Thriller flash mob.

Reviews

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Water Magic is part of a new elemental series of books about different types of magic - this one obviously being Water.
This book teaches you how to use water (especially during normal everyday tasks such as laundry, washing pots etc) within your practice of water magic.
I enjoyed reading about the folklores, ancient practices and how it differs across different cultures and beliefs and loved the part about mythical creatures too. I didn't realise how many ancient water sites there are across the globe either!
I really enjoyed the authors take on water magic and loved her floor wash spells which I've never heard of before and sound amazing.
I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series!

[Beda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 Stars A pretty basic book about water magic. I found the book a bit dry and as I said, basic, so I didn’t learn anything new. I expected a book that was specifically about an elemental to go deeper. Especially since this author has a substantial background with New Orleans Voodoo, Santeria and Voudon, which she continually mentioned but rarely incorporated very deeply into the text.

I’d recommend this book for a beginner who does not know anything about the craft, but intermediate or above can skip it.

[Astrea Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got an advanced copy of this book to read, and I instantly fell in love with it. First of all, Lilith's writing style is so warm and inviting. I felt as if we were conversing over a cup of tea rather than reading an e-book.

The content was so inspiring for me too. As someone whose weakest element is water, I learned so much about water magic and really enjoyed all the information. Lilith's writing once again ushered me through the chapters seamlessly. My favorite part of the book was her personal stories with the element of water and the Spells chapter, especially the floor washes. I had never thought about magical floor washes, but there were quite a few that sound truly amazing. I'm looking forward to trying them out and reading this book again and again. 5/5 Highly recommended.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful.
Applicable and super interesting because it involves many different views of different cultures with their traditions and customs.
It is a gateway to become interested and investigate much more to spend knowledge on the topics mentioned.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey

This book has a great deal of information presented concisely if briefly. What do I mean by this? Well, the first section, as an example, mentioned history, folklore and myths including religion, sacred sites, divinity, mythological beasts and places, etc. Any one of those topics could be a book in and of itself SO my feeling is that this book is a great introduction to the water element that a beginner could use to get ideas and if one idea resonated they might then choose to do further in-depth research.

I found that while reading I would say to myself, “ah ha” and then think about water in a new way. I know that there is swamp water and pond water and ocean water and dead sea water and river, brook and stream water…there is active and inactive water and what is in the water may vary BUT to think about how any one type of water might impact a spell or what it might do if one were to bathe with intent in one body of water instead of another…well…that was a for-instance that came to mind.

I have heard of animal guides, tarot, divination, crystals, pendulums and other topics but, again, had not thought of various items mentioned in direct relationship TO water…and now will be doing so and also thinking about those same items in relationship to the other elements. Reading through the lists compiled of god/desses and mythologies, sacred sites and more I also realized there is a lot I do not know and would like to learn more about.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I like to have it in my library? Yes

Thank you to NetGalley and Llewellyn Worldwide for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[The Shakti Witch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey kicks off Llewellyn's highly anticipated new Elements of Witchcraft series. It covers history and folklore of water spanning across cultures, mystical creatures associated with water and sacred water sites around the world.

Readers will learn how to use water in their magical workings, day to day household chores and personal cleansing. Divination is covered, so too herb and crystal correspondences and spells provided.

This is great start to this series. Those who find the “Little Book of” series also by Llewellyn too frivolous will find this new series of reference books most valuable. Also includes Australian Indigenous water myths too which is very refreshing and gives this book more global appeal outside of the US.

*eArc provided by publisher and NetGalley

[Lucretia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to understand more about the element of water. In the first section of the book, I was taken on an exploration of the history and lore surrounding how water was viewed as part of several cultures. The sections on water creatures was so fascinating. I thought I had a pretty good grasp of most of them, but was happy to see there were some I wasn’t aware of that I can explore even deeper. I also found the section on sacred sites crammed with places and history that was new to me and utterly fascinating. I appreciate the amount research that went into making this text and the user-friendly presentation that made it easy to digest.

In the second section working with water is explained in ways that make it easy to understand and looks at all aspects ranging from botanicals to spells. I loved the depth which each part was looked into. Setting up a shrine where the elements are represented through water was really helpful and something I wouldn’t have even considered on my own. I was also really excited to see gem water recipes.

The third part of the book has recipes, ritual and spells. All of this section is easy to follow and has helpful advice that make the spell, and practices accessible to different levels of practice. As with the other sections there were things here that were new and fascinating to me. I especially found the holidays/wheel of the year interesting.

If you are looking to work any magic aided by water or explore your understanding of how water can enhance your practice or spiritual path, this book will be an invaluable resource. I know I will be coming back to it often.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must-have for learning about water magic! The author shares a wealth of knowledge regarding this topic. This is a must-read when learning about elemental magic. I highly recommend it! I voluntarily read this book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a wealth of information about the origins of the importance of water to humans through mythology and history, places associated with water magic, and all of the different kinds of water and ways to utilize water in magic. There is so much information here, and it's jam packed with facts and tidbits. Even if you're not interested in witchy things, this is still a fascinating read.

I received an eGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Water Magic Lilith Dorsey covers a lot of ground -- water deities, sacred watery sites, bath and floor wash spells, water and the sabbats, and more. The book has a truly global scope, including examples from and discussion of a wide array of cultural and religious contexts. I appreciate Dorsey's mindful notes around magic not substituting for medicine, avoiding appropriation, the importance of seeking out qualified teachers, and some of the ethical issues relevant to the workings presented. I very much look forward to delving into the bibliography provided, which is substantial. My only wish is that there were more footnotes/citations throughout the text. Excellent + highly recommend.

[Zee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved it. Also feel weird I read this in dedication to Njord and he's not listed among the water gods in the book along with Aegir and Ran. Also feels weird that in the final chapter the Sabbat that's most aligned with water according to the author is Beltane... a fire festival... hm. I do love the author's extensive inclusion of magical practices beyond whitewashed Wicca. It's refreshing to see primary source voudou and other types of magic. Love it.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars. Review to come.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

An overall really good book. Really consider this book this book if you are a person who connects with water. How water connects all of us in cultures, creatures, places, and deities. Spell work and other activities mentioned. Really good book and I believe it is the first in an elements series - so really cool for that.

[Ellen Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First book of the year! I’m getting in touch with my witchy side this year so I loved this book. I especially loved learning about what water has meant across so many different cultures, and the importance it has held for millennia.

It made me want to float in the ocean. (bonus points for Whanganui river mention)

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book if you want to learn to work with the water element.
It's well written, full of excellent and interesting ideas and examples.
It's highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Alisia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great work by Lilith Dorsey. The first part of this book was mostly history, lore, and myths about water throughout many different cultures and parts of the world. There were sections on water creatures/beasts, both real and mythical, sections on water gods, goddesses, orishas, and other water deities, and sections on sacred water sites throughout the world and the history of them. I loved reading about the creatures and the deities. It was very refreshing to hear about deities that I was not previously familiar with like the water Orishas. I learned so much in this part of the book, but it also took me the longest to get through and I felt bored in some areas (history is not my strong suit). The second part was about working with water in magick. How to use different botanicals, crystals, rocks, and shells that are associated with water, setting up water altars, how to respectfully use the water from bodies of water that you may come across, including how to ask the spirit of the water if you may be able to work with its energy or take water from it with you to use in spells later. There was also a section on water animal guides that was remarkably interesting. The third part was all about different water recipes, spells and rituals to practice. There were many fun spells that are accessible to witches of all different levels. I loved the part on water scrying, and I will be trying that out along with a variety of other spells listed in this part of the book. All in all, I am happy to have read this book and to have learned a wealth of information that was provided. I will be referencing this book time and time again and using water more intentionally in my practice.
Many thanks to Llewellyn, Lilith Dorsey and NetGalley for providing a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jenna Deaton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Water magic by Lilith Dorsey is a wonderful dive into water based rites and spells.
I enjoyed that the author manages to pack in a lot of information with very little unneeded or unrelated tangents.
The e arc version I received did have some rendering issues but I suspect that these came from my reading device.
I am looking forward to exploring more books by this author .

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Genre: Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Release Date: October 8, 2020

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey is the first book in Llewellyn's new Elements of Witchcraft series and is an excellent resource regarding water magic.

Part one of the book dives into the history, folklore and myth surrounding water magic. I enjoyed the poems and essays included in the text.

Part two of the book goes into detail about working with the element of water, including chapters on water herbs & botanicals, water crystals, stones, & shells, and water animal guides.

Part three is filled with recipes, rituals, & spellcraft. The chapters include information on magical waters, baths, salts & washes, water in divination & dreams, water spells, and holidays & the water wheel of the year.

There is so much information in this book that one read will not be enough. If you are looking to expand you knowledge of water magic, you should definitely read this book!

I'm so grateful to Lilith Dorsey, Llewellyn Publications, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book for review. This is a very strong start to the Elements of Witchcraft series. I can imagine returning to it again as a reference work, and could easily be dipped into for inspiration or background on the various uses of and signification of water in many different areas of witchcraft and mythology. It is a highly accessible read and suitable for people at various levels or interest and experience.

The book begins with a look at water and its cultural role throughout the world. The descriptions of sacred water sites, mythological creatures associated with water, and correspondences with animals, plants, and minerals is almost encyclopedic. The latter portion of the book offers many ideas for using water in ritual and shellwork, how to incorporate it in your altar, recipes for washes, baths. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone with an interest in incorporating water into their craft work, or to anyone with an interest the cultural significance of water. Because the author takes an incredibly broad view - considering practices, figures, and sites from all over the world - some of the descriptions are tantalizingly brief.

[McKenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has at least a little information in regards to anything involving water. It discusses everything ranging from history to gods and goddess, to how to set up a water altar to magical floor washes. If you're wanting to know what type of water is perfect for a specific spell or use, if you want to know which herbs or crystals to add a water influence or even how to reach out to the deities of water, this book has you cover. Personally, I'm most excited to try out the bath salts and make myself some war water. However, based on the current state of the world perhaps one of the compassion spells would be better.

Thank you for Llewellyn Publications and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jennifer Sacasa-wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey is the first book in a series by Llewellyn publishers dedicated to the alchemical elements. It is separated into Three (3) Parts and begins with the History, Folklore and Myth of alchemical/spiritual water. The remainder of the book flows from the “how to’” of working with water’s energies and ends with specific tools of application and ways to engage more deeply in the nature of water.

Part 1: History, Folklore & Myth, “Chapter 1: Water Throughout Time and Culture” takes the reader through early myths and creation stories that have founded the basis of our spiritual and mundane work. We are physical beings composed largely of water and the natural resonance within ourselves and the alchemical nature of water are readily available for deeper connection. We are taken through the cultures of the Sumerians, Muslims, Hindus, Native peoples, Haitians, Asians, Christians and others. These stories and ways in which throughout generations and ages, water has been a stabilizing and fertile force opening us to the deeper nature within.

I especially enjoyed “Chapter 2: Mythological Watery Beasts and Places”. These are listed in alphabetical order with brief introductions to their stories and powers. The usual suspects are represented-Selkies, Mer-People, Sirens, Leviathan and a generous listing of more, many of which I had never encountered before. Very cool! The author explores the Divine beings represented in Water and the Divine (Chapter 3) and includes a very simple journeying experience to open you to the water deities. Sacred Water Sites (Chapter 4) is a journey of sacred geography and introduction to these places of power and healing.

In Part 2: Working with the Element of Water, Ms. Dorsey provides the practical application of water as ally and tool in magickal and spiritual endeavors. These chapters cover water in all of its representations…

… The element of water is vital for all living things. Magically it helps us heal, get in touch with our emotions and the emotions of others, to travel and to transform. By fully exploring and understanding the element of water and all it is associated with, its true power and ultimate potential can be unlocked…..

Chapter 6: Water Herbes and Botanials familiarizes the reader with those plant allies that resonate with water. Subsequent chapters provide the points of connection from the mineral kingdom (Chapter 7: Water Crystals, Stones and Shells) and animal kingdom (Chapter 8: Water Animal Guides).

Part 3: Recipes, Rituals and Spellcraft brings all of the information together. These correspondences are fused into recipes for Magical Waters, Baths, Salts and Washes (Chapter 9) including the keynotes of daily planetary rulings Monday-Sunday to enhance the intention of any work. Chapter 10: Water in Divination and Dreams encourages the intention of alchemical water

… Divination and dreams are inherently watery. They are deep, elusive and mysterious. By calling on the elemental power of water we can gain true insight and understanding…..

And, Chapter 12: Holidays, Rituals and the Water Wheel of the Year offers a lovely ritual as conclusion of that chapter, “Beltane Water Blessing and Renewal Ritual”, which gives a decidedly different perspective on a ritual that traditionally is considered to be of Fire.

The Appendix is a snapshot of correspondences that can be readily used to personalize and hone in on what will be of nest support for your intention. The Bibliography has a robust listing of title to dive into and broaden your understanding of water’s potency.

Would I Recommend:

Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey would be a wonderful reference book to add to your collection. It is largely formatted as a book of correspondences that gives enough information for each category of water’s assignation to make application of the energies easily doable. The value of this book lies in not only the cursory read through, but in having in one compilation a read that can be returned to as needed and hone in more dynamically to precisely the watery energy that would bring the biggest enhancement. Hopefully, the remainder of the books in this alchemical series will deliver the same thoroughness of information that flows through Water Magic: Elements of Witchcraft by Lilith Dorsey.

Reviewed by Robin Fennelly of PaganPages.org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2020...

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I read this before buying the entire series. To be honest, halfway through I've decided to pass it on.

While full of diverse and beautiful information I wouldn't consider this a guide on water magick. It's a book full of water associations.

What I mean by that is. Once you get out of the first chapter of brief histories of a variety of cultures, sites and ways water was used, it reads like a book of correspondences.

Each chapter focuses on something different like animals for example. After a tiny blurb about animals in water magick it goes on to list each animal with a sentence or two about what that animal represents or is known for.

That's the entire book.
If you're already practicing water magick and want ideas, or want to look up quick descriptions without using the internet, I think this is great. (Although note that there is no index or way to do that without flipping through the book).

If like me you want to dive into what water magick is, the authors personal experience with it, how to incorporate it into your magick, how cultures have in the past and so on (in an in depth manner) Then you're going to want a different book.

3 stars may have been harsh since it's not a bad book. It's clearly well researched. It just wasn't at all what I was expecting and am very disappointed.

[Emelia Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on Kindle Unlimited after reading the description, and I’m honestly glad I did. Water Magic feels like a gentle but powerful invitation into the world of elemental witchcraft, especially for anyone who’s drawn to the flow, mystery, and cleansing energy of water.

Even just from the description, I expected something practical and grounding and that’s exactly what Lilith Dorsey delivers. The book blends history, lore, and modern practice in a way that’s really accessible. I especially enjoyed the sections about rivers, lakes, oceans, and how water weaves through the wheel of the year. It made the element feel alive and present, not just symbolic.

The practical parts were my favorite charged waters, sacred baths, floor washes, dream work, and all the little ways you can bring water magic into your everyday life. It didn’t feel overly complicated, just thoughtful and doable. The bath and wash recipes especially are things I can actually see myself using.

Overall, this is a solid read whether you’re new to elemental magic or already experienced but wanting a deeper connection to water. It’s inspiring, soothing, and beautifully written. If you’re on KU and curious about water based practices, it��s definitely worth borrowing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first in an Elemental series, Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey has something for everyone. From folklore to water beasts, mermaids to sea witches, and so much more between, Dorsey has created a watery world to take a quick dive, coming up recharged and refreshed, and leaving some prepared to do so water ritual if they so choose.. This fire sign couldn't have been more pleased to discover some additional ways to cool my fire when needed. I especially enjoyed the section that talks of scared water sites as I was excited to read about Bayou St. John in Louisiana and absolutely delighted to see a lake 5 minutes from my home in CT discussed. Who knew? Like I stated, this book has something for everyone.
I'm looking forward to the rest in these series and highly recommend Water Magic to anyone looking to start a elemental practice or for other seasoned magicals. Many thanks to Llewellyn Worldwide, Ltd. and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.

Water Magic by Lilith Dorsey
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Genre: Nonfiction (Adult) | Religion & Spirituality
Release Date: October 8, 2020

[Alan D.D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque abarca muchos temas y muchos me llamaron la atención, sentí que se quedó en la superficie en cuanto a teoría. Es un libro bastante práctico, con muchas fórmulas, mezclas, alternativas a la hora de realizar trabajos, pero no hubo mucho material teórico, al menos no tanto como esperaba. Es un libro ideal para los que quieran empezar a incorporar el agua en sus trabajos espirituales y quieran explorar algunos mitos y figuras relacionadas a este elemento.

Although it covers many topics and many caught my attention, I felt that it was left on the surface in terms of theory. It is a fairly practical book, with many formulas, mixtures, alternatives when carrying out work, but there was not much theoretical material, at least not as much as I expected. It is an ideal book for those who want to start incorporating water in their spiritual work and want to explore some myths and figures related to this element.

[Cozy Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first entry in Llewellyn's exciting new Elements of Witchcraft series . The series will contain three book releases. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.

I have always been interested in water magic as part of my practice. I had not found a book prior to this that was so well done and informative. I loved the spells and rituals included that anyone can incorporate into their practice. The author has historical water magic information of how different cultures view water over time and incorporate water rituals. The folklore section was fascinating and fun to learn. Shells are included here and ocean elements. I enjoyed reading this and will use many of the spells in my practice. Thank you to the author for such a well researched informative fun book. I highly recommend this book.

[Nikka · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book, but it just wasn't what I was hoping for. I'm giving it three stars because this book could be useful to others who are just starting out, but I was hoping for more than a basic reference book. There's information here, but nothing really deep as the things discussed in each chapter could each be their own book. I got a couple useful things out of it, but mostly stuff I will have to research on my own away from this book. As a more experienced witch, this was just not enough for me, and I skipped entire sections of the book to get to the parts that I hadn't read a hundred times elsewhere.

[Angy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good guide to the element of water as used in witchcraft. It covers different water myths, deities, and places in the world in which water is sacred. None of those excerpts are particularly detailed, but they're a good reference for readers to use in figuring out what they want to read for future studies. There are also rituals and potions included in the book that can be useful and I would like to try a couple. Lilith Dorsey is a wonderful writer with a compelling style that was present in her storytelling throughout the book. I am now interested in the other books in the series.

[TamaraO · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this series, but just like in the air magic book, the info is so random. And I was still very gracious in my review of the air magic book, saying the research wasn't bad but also not great. I'm sorry I just can't get behind, for example, amber being associated with the water element because it used to be tree resin and therefore liquid? Really?! This is like saying "I'm associating birds with the water element, because they need to drink water". It's a bit too random for me. After that I have decided not to finish this book and I won't be continuing the series. Maybe everything went over my head, but it's just not for me I guess.

[Dodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Water magic is the first book of the elements of witchcraft by Llewelyn. The book is a mixture of resources and practical ritual. There was a section were the book goes in depth with all of the different water deities., history and myth. There is also a section that deals with water correspondents, timing, herbs, oils, crystals. The last section deal with practice applications. The book sharing simple rituals, bath salt, water meditation and water divination. I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.